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What a Woman

5.9, Sport, 60 ft (18 m),  Avg: 2.3 from 45 votes
FA: Bob Cockell, 1992
California > San Bernardino… > Big Bear Lake Area > Big Bear North > Big Bear City Area > Holcomb Valley… > Central Pinnacles > Wilbur's Tombstone

Description

Start by making committed friction moves; working up and left to a bolt on the small roof above. Crank the roof and rocker up (the crux), passing a horizontal crack (Camelot #2 optional). Continue above, passing three more bolts while climbing a steep friction face with fun slopers and dishes. The finish of the route passes a small roof and on up to a two bolt anchor with chains.

Location

This route is located on the east face of Wilbur's Tombstone, 10 feet left of Pumped Up Woman (5.8).

Protection

Optional #2 Camelot

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Me leading what a woman...slabby slabby slabby!!! This route will prove your footwork
[Hide Photo] Me leading what a woman...slabby slabby slabby!!! This route will prove your footwork
What a Woman (5.9), Holcomb Valley Pinnacles
[Hide Photo] What a Woman (5.9), Holcomb Valley Pinnacles

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Dave Daly
Kernville, CA
  5.9+
[Hide Comment] My personal view of the route: it definitely deserves AT LEAST 2-stars for a rating! This route kept me entertained and felt more sustained than the routes to the right (Pumped Up Woman and Rap Bolters Will be Pursecuted). There were no dirty/chossy sections and the crux was more committing than most (with a slight deck potential). Having compared the crux to a host of others with that rating and with what the book rates it, I would have to say it is at least 5.9+. Apr 30, 2007
Euan Cameron
Mammoth Lakes, CA
  5.9
[Hide Comment] Fun moves over the crux overlap. May 26, 2008
Chris Owen
Big Bear Lake
  5.9
[Hide Comment] The opening moves are dicey and unprotected, good place to get a twisted ankle. I like the steep slab in the middle section. Sep 6, 2010
Brandon Matthes
  5.10- PG13
[Hide Comment] If you are worried about the big runout between bolt 1 and 2, don't! After the crux at the first bolt you are on a massive ledge that you can easily clip from before continuing the climb.
Me and my buddy both agreed this is a terribly under rated route, that deserves some attention!! *** May 6, 2013
Matt Himmelstein
Orange, CA
[Hide Comment] If you don't have trad gear, you can lead this then set up a TR for the other two routes on the wall.

This one feels committed going past the 1sty bolt. There is a second crux section a bit higher, but by then you are decently protected. Jun 6, 2016